Head Brewer

Position summary:

Reuben’s is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Head Brewer to lead our day-to-day brewing and cellar operations under the direction of the Head of Production and Quality. This role requires a professional who pairs deep technical brewing expertise with exceptional floor leadership, our production brewery has an annual capacity of 35,000 bbl/yr.

As Head Brewer, you will be responsible for executing the master production schedule, optimizing brewhouse efficiency, and managing cellaring processes. You will maintain a strong floor presence, acting as the operational bridge between high-level planning and hands-on team execution.

The successful applicant will be a member of the brewery operations management team and work closely with the brewery operations leadership in day-to-day operations.

About us:

Reuben’s Brews is a family brewery that opened in 2012. We brew from the glass backwards: designing each beer with intention, unbound by constraints. We know making the extra effort is worth it. From your everyday favorite beers to our innovative new releases, we help you grow your love of beer.

We have two brewhouses and two tasting rooms, and we distribute our beer predominantly in the Pacific Northwest. In 2025 we brewed around 24,000 BBLs.

The role:

This role is responsible for the following:

• On the Floor Leadership: Providing direction to the brew/cellar team to efficiently execute the production plan. The current team includes (5) Brew/Cellar Production Operators for all brewing and cellar operations (not including Head Brewer)
• Maintaining an active floor presence: Be a resource in the brewhouse and cellar to help accomplish production as needed
• Be accountable: Own all aspects of brewing and cellar operations
• Training Production Operators: Train using established SOPs and maintain accountability for the completion of these procedures. Update SOPs as needed
• Being a troubleshooting resource: Troubleshoot complications in production evolutions, scheduling conflicts, and maintenance issues
• Understanding and planning production specific maintenance and conduct as necessary
• Coordinating with other production managers to build and execute production plans
• Writing and managing labor schedules
• EKOS (ERP) management and processing
• Communicating the next day’s plan at the end of the day

Requirements:

• Previously worked in a leadership role in a fast paced mid-sized brewery
• 3+ years related experience required, 5+ years preferred
• Strong people management skills and experience
• Related degree or professional qualification would be highly beneficial
• A passion for the beer industry, including a strong knowledge of Reuben’s
• Understanding of ERP systems, and ability to process data in them

In addition to these minimum requirements, we expect the successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Glass Backwards mentality – taking unique, solution-focused approaches to problems
• A proven track record of Making it Happen – infectiously enthusiastic and can-do attitude – a thirst to learn, to teach others, and an obsessive commitment to our brewery’s success is an absolute must
• Recognition that we are Here to Delight - for internal and external customers, partners, and the Reuben’s team as a whole
• A One Team mentality – a team-focused approach to achieving results
• Assume the Best Intent - no ego, a focus on team results, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and jump in where needed
• A Passion for Craft - recognize and live a mentality that the extra effort is worth it

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by business demands. Roles and responsibilities may evolve over the years reflecting the growth and maturity of the brewery.

Our team is the heart of Reuben’s Brews. We offer a competitive wages and benefits package, career development opportunities, and the exciting opportunity to help us craft a wonderful future.

• Medical and Dental Insurance (for employees who work 35+ hours per week Reuben's pays 90% of the premium for full-time, employee only medical and dental)
• Generous PTO policy and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with 4% company match
• Budget for training and continuing education opportunities
• Generous beer, food and merch discounts

Details:

• Must be over 21
• This position is in-person
• Wages are $85,000-$95,000/year DOE